New to yoga? Worried about what to expect? Just breathe, relax and have a glance at this little guide...
•Try to arrive to class about 10 minutes early so you can find a comfortable spot for your mat, facing the teacher at the front.
•Avoid having anything to eat for a couple of hours before practice. If you are hungry, a snack like a few nuts or a piece of fruit are best.
•If this is your first class, or first with me, come and say hello, let me know if you have practiced yoga before and whether you have any injuries or limitations I should be aware of, so that I can modify postures for you if neccessary.
•Pay for your class, or stamp your card; and sign the registration form.
•Turn OFF your mobile phone!
•Get comfortable on your mat, take off your shoes and socks, move you personal belongings out of the way.
•Relax, breathe and go with the flow. If there is anything you are having trouble with don’t be afraid to give me a wave or ask a question.
•Most classes have a range of abilities, try not to compare yourself to others and rest assured other are not watching what you are doing, they are busy focusing on their own practice. Don’t feel silly if you can’t do something, we all have limitations and we all begin somewhere. Go easy on yourself.
•Respect your limitations and listen to your body. You don’t HAVE to do anything if it doesn’t feel right or you are not able. Again, ask me if you have any concerns. I won’t mind, that what I’m here for.
•If you need a break (and its fine if you do) just drop down in to childs pose or find a comfortable position to rest until you are ready to join in again.
•During the class I may come to adjust or realign you. This is normal in a yoga class and is to help you develop safer alignment or go deeper in to a pose. If you would rather not be adjusted please just let me know, I won’t be offended.
•At the end of a class we finish with a final relaxation in Savasana. This is a time to close your eyes, relax, breath and enjoy some quiet time. Sometimes Savasana may be silent, or it may include a simple guided meditation or relaxation. Please do not pack up and leave during this time, or if you must leave early at any point in the class, please do so quietly so as not to disturb your fellow yogi’s J
•Yoga has its roots in Hinduism, however yoga is not a religion, and my classes are non-dogmatic. My meditations are non-religious, the sanskirt spoken in classes is simply the names of the yoga postures, and the word “Namaste” (“Nah-Mas-Tay”) which you will hear at the end of class simply means “I honour you” and is traditionally spoken at the end of a yoga class.
And a final mention
•Ducks, brass bands, squeaky floor boards... however you like to laugh about it, breaking wind can be one of the less... desirable side effects of yoga asana! All that stretching and flexing about can really get things moving. Don't worry about it, don't be embarrased and DON'T let it put you off coming back. Better out than in!